Effects of Theobromine and Caffeine on Mood, Cognition and Blood Pressure

Mood Clinical Trial

Official title: Temporal Change of Mood and Cognition in Healthy Subjects After Consumption of Theobromine and/ or Caffeine

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study was to measure potential mood, cognition and blood pressure effects of theobromine and caffeine in healthy women

Clinical Trial Description

Background Previous research has shown that naturally occurring chocolate ingredients theobromine and caffeine have positive effects on mood.

Objectives: To assess mood and cognition in adult subjects after the consumption of capsules filled with 1. placebo, 2. theobromine alone, 3. caffeine alone or, 4. theobromine and caffeine combined together.

Study design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over design, with a 1 week washout period in between.

During the 4 weeks intervention period, once a week one of the 4 types of test products were consumed with 250ml of water in a randomized order;

1. placebo capsules

2. theobromine capsules (700 mg),

3. caffeine capsules (120 mg),

4. mix of theobromine (700 mg) and caffeine (120 mg). Twenty-four healthy female subjects (and 4 reserve subjects) were recruited for a four week intervention period in total with every week a 4 hrs measurement day and one of the interventions.

Primary parameters: mood (via a Bond-Lader/ caffeine visual analogue questionnaire), cognition (Digit Symbol substitution) Secondary parameters: blood pressure ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Mood

• NCT number: NCT01288547
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Unilever R&D
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: May 2008
• Completion date: July 2008